Southgate edged out Brighton 2-1 to make it two wins from two in the Men’s Hockey League Division 1 South.

Timmy Smyth and Alex Williams’ goals were enough for the home side to maintain their 100% record.

The hosts came out firing in the first quarter and scored with just four minutes on the clock. Paul Pongs found John Sterlini on the edge of the circle who deflected the ball across the goal, and Timmy Smyth nipped in front of the defender to find the bottom corner.

Southgate enjoyed the majority of the possession in the opening period and extended their lead after 29 minutes. Matt Allister beat a defender on the edge of the circle before finding Williams, and he deflected home to double the scoreline.

Brighton came out strongly after the half time break and it was the hosts who were now under pressure. They pulled a goal back in the 40th minute after a succession of penalty corners as Mike Burney fired past Chris Rae.

The hosts managed to settle down once more in the final quarter and were only prevented from going further ahead by some excellent Brighton defending.

Success means Southgate stay top at this early stage of the season and will look to keep their form going away at Havant this Sunday.